NEWS

About the LA Poet Laureate Position

The City of Los Angeles Poet Laureate serves as the official ambassador of Los Angeles literature, using the office as a platform from which to promote the city’s writers and the potentially transformative qualities of poetry and the written word.

During his or her two-year term, the Poet Laureate seeks to raise the general consciousness of Los Angeles residents and visitors to a greater appreciation of the art of poetry, and encourages both the reading and writing of literature.

The Poet Laureate spreads the art of poetry across the city to inspire an emerging generation of literary artists and to educate us about the many poets and authors who have influenced Los Angeles through creative literary expression.

The objectives of the City of Los Angeles Poet Laureate Program are to:

• Specifically enhance the presence of poetry in Los Angeles and the presence of literary arts in general
• Create a focal point for the expression of Los Angeles culture through the literary arts
• Raise awareness of the power of literature, poetry, and the spoken word
• Provide a forum for cross pollination of art forms
• Celebrate the spirit of the people and the special qualities of Los Angeles
• Create a body of work that commemorates the diversity and vibrancy of our city